Theft At The Peabody
Theft at the Peabody: A Must-Run Modern Cthulhu Heist
Step into the world of modern-day Call of Cthulhu with Theft at the Peabody, an adventure that expertly blends classic investigation with high-stakes action and supernatural intrigue. Set in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, this scenario hooks your players from the first page: a daring museum heist, a string of brutal murders, and a desperate race to save an innocent life. As a Keeper, you’ll delight in the layered mystery and the web of personal connections that ensure every investigator is deeply invested in the unfolding events.
What sets this scenario apart is its rich cast of characters and open-ended investigative structure. Every location—whether it’s the crime-ridden museum, the blood-soaked apartment, or the shadowy airport warehouse—offers multiple pathways, clues, and opportunities for roleplay. The suspects are more than just names on a list; they’re fully realized NPCs with secrets, alibis, and personal stakes. The scenario’s modular design means you can tailor the pacing and focus to your group’s style, whether they love forensic puzzles, tense social encounters, or direct confrontations with the unnatural.
Theft at the Peabody is Keeper-friendly and packed with resources: detailed handouts, evocative maps, pre-generated characters, and a timeline tracker to keep the action moving. The adventure’s supernatural antagonist—a centuries-old Ainu shaman wielding forbidden magic—brings a fresh mythos flavor, while the moral dilemmas and personal connections raise the stakes far beyond a simple theft. Whether you’re running a one-shot or weaving this into a larger campaign, you’ll find plenty of hooks for ongoing stories and recurring villains.
Bring your table a session they’ll never forget—one filled with suspense, horror, and meaningful choices. With minimal prep, you’ll have everything you need to deliver a night of memorable investigation and pulse-pounding action. Head to DriveThruRPG and add Theft at the Peabody to your Keeper’s toolkit today!
Here are the pre-generated characters:
- Private Investigator Benjamin "Ben" Gerald Stacy
Ben has known Irene May for a number of years now. They crossed paths and she insights into the criminal underground in Boston. She helped to collar a pair of killers, though truth be told, Ben thinks she cares more about them killing the dog.
Steve Carr is a kind of father figure/big brother Ben never had. Steve is really smart and good to bounce ideas off of.
Wally Ogg is an engineer pehom. He has helped figure out how some things get done that look impossible. Ben recommended him to Steve Carr to set up the network and security at Steve's Free Clinic.
Ben Met Gillian Rhodes through a third party. She knows quite a bit about the occult and antiques. She is a bit odd.
Ben went on one date with Sylvia Phipps, he was looking forward to a second date. - Antiques Dealer/Occultist Gillian Ida Rhodes
Gillian met Karen Schafer (Director of Collections at the Peabody) when at University and is an old friend. The call from Karen came out of the blue. She had not connected in some time.
She met Irene May when she brought some unusual stuff to be appraised. And occasionally has sold her some interesting artifacts.
She met Ben Stacy when he needed some information about something a bit occult. Nice guy, Ms. Phyllis (her spirit guide) says he is OK.
Hired Wally Ogg to set up the security system for the shop. He is quite smart.
Gillian met Karen Schafer (Director of Collections at the Peabody) when at University and is an old friend. The call from Karen came out of the blue. She had not connected in some time. She met Irene May when she brought some unusual stuff to be appraised. And occasionally has sold her some interesting artifacts.
She met Ben Stacy when he needed some information about something a bit occult. Nice guy, Ms. Phyllis (her spirit guide) says he is OK.
Hired Wally Ogg to set up the security system for the shop. He is quite smart. - Fence Irene Daria May
Irene was contacted about week prior to the adventure starting by a Mr. M, one of her criminal contacts who was looking for someone to steal a few select items from a rather high security environment. For the requisite finders fee, you put Mr. M in touch with the Phipps brothers.
She is Sylvia Phipps' BFF since high school. She is the sweetest person. You owe her a big debt as she gave you an alibi that kept you from going to prison.
She met Ben Stacey when he was looking into a series of robberies looking to recover some family heirlooms. The fellows who pulled off the job, murdered a security guard and kill a dog. Irene did not feel bad at all about turning them over to Ben - at least he isn't a cop. And they did kill a dog...
She met Dr. Carr when Ben took her to the clinic after a run in with the bad actors. His Free Clinic is a legit no questions asked zone. Though he does try to get you to talk to the cops. She met Gillian Rhodes in a professional capacity, selling some acquired goods. Gillian asked just the required questions and did not dig too deeply. If I am not sure what something is worth, I call Gillian. - Dr. Steve Andrew Carr
Dr. Carr runs a Free Clinic down town, no questions asked, but he does encourage them to talk to the Police when necessary.
He has known Ben Stacey for years. Kind of like the little brother he never had. Good kid.
He met Irene Day when Ben brought her in. Dr. Carr learned later they took down a pair of murderers.
He met Wally Ogg when Wally did some pro-bono work installing a security system and network in the clinic. Smart cookie. Ben recommended him. - Engineer Wally Ogg -
Wally met Gillian Rhodes when he- set up her security system for her store. Lots of cool old stuff there. Though she was cute; but she is really in to some weird stuff. Caught her talking by herself to a Ms. Phillis.
He met Dr. Carr by doing some pro-bono work at his clinic. Set up network and security system. Really smart guy. Fun to talk to.
He knows Ben Stacey through a friend. Needed some analyses about how something could be done. Loved the challenge. Got to apply his physics skills to robbery. Ben recommended him to do the work at the Free Clinic